Posted on Saturday, October 28 2006 @ 6:05 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
A market research firm says Apple's iPod is not expected to lose significant market share in the next 12 to 18 months, despite upcoming competition from Microsoft's Zune.
The popular Apple device, which accounts for more than three quarters of portable music players sold, shows no signs of losing momentum, having conditioned users to expect and buy regular upgrades, JupiterResearch said. Strong design and ease of use is also helping to keep sales strong.
As a result, Apple is expected to hold on to its dominant position in the U.S. market for the next 12 to 18 months, JupiterResearch analyst Michael Gartenberg said. During that time, Apple is expected to remain strong against competition from Microsoft's Zune, set for release in mid-November, and from music phones.
"It's Apple's game to lose," Gartenberg said. "But there will be constant pressure on Apple to innovate and refresh the product line to continue capturing the hearts and minds of consumers."
Read more at
EE Times.
